Tanzania's national parks authority introduces bicycle tourism on Mount Meru

DAR ES SALAAM, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) on Sunday introduced bicycle tourism when 27 cyclists started their ascent to the top of the 4,566-meter-high Mount Meru in the north of the country.

The 27 cyclists, including tour operators and tourists, began their attempt to conquer Africa's fifth highest mountain which will take them three days for ascending and descending.

Speaking at the foot of Mount Meru, Albert Mziray, the assistant commissioner for Conservation with the Arusha National Park, said bicycle tourism on the mountain was a new concept that had the potential of attracting more visitors and tourists to the area.

Catherine Mbena, a TANAPA senior conservation officer, said TANAPA will diversify tourism products to enable tourists to have an assortment of tourism attractions.

Thad Peterson, the leader of the expedition, said tourists were now becoming more discerning and they wanted more exercises even during excursions. Peterson added the mission set the stage for more tourists to visit the Arusha National Park, offering a mix of flora and fauna and diversified landscapes.